Blizzard has released a new Overwatch 2 hotfix targeting Hazard and Sojourn, implementing significant nerfs to balance these heroes ahead of 2025.
Hotfix Details for Overwatch 2
On December 16, Blizzard rolled out a balance update that addressed the power levels of the newly introduced tank hero Hazard and damage dealer Sojourn. Here’s a closer look at the changes:
Hazard Nerf
- Downpour (Ultimate): The ultimate cost increased by 13%, making it more difficult to build and use in combat.
Sojourn Nerfs
- Railgun (Primary Fire): The shots-per-second have been reduced from 16 to 15, lowering her overall damage output.
- Disruptor Shot: This ability no longer generates energy for her Railgun, limiting her ability to charge up her powerful secondary fire.
- Overclock (Ultimate): The charge rate has been reduced from 120 energy per second to 100 energy per second, slowing the frequency of its devastating effects.
These changes are part of Blizzard’s ongoing effort to fine-tune hero balance and maintain competitive fairness, particularly as Hazard’s release introduced a strong tank dynamic into the game.
Hazard’s Abilities in Overwatch 2
For those unfamiliar, Hazard made his debut on December 10, arriving as a new tank hero. His unique ability kit includes powerful tools for crowd control, damage, and mobility:
- Bonespur (Primary Weapon): Fires a burst of spikes.
- Vault (Passive): Scales short walls and grabs ledges, offering great mobility.
- Jagged Wall: Launches a spiked wall that damages and knocks back nearby enemies.
- Spike Guard: Provides protection while firing homing spikes at nearby enemies. This ability reduces incoming damage and regenerates ammo.
- Violent Leap: A forward lunge that can be reactivated to slash enemies and knock them back.
- Downpour (Ultimate): Rains spikes in a torrent, immobilizing enemies caught in its area.
While Hazard impressed players upon launch, the Downpour ultimate was identified as overly dominant in matches, leading to the quick nerf.
Sojourn’s Continued Adjustments
The nerfs to Sojourn mark yet another phase in Blizzard’s effort to balance one of Overwatch 2’s most contentious damage heroes. Her Disruptor Shot no longer feeding energy to Railgun represents a major shift, as it reduces her synergy between abilities. Meanwhile, the slight nerf to Overclock ensures her ultimate cannot dominate fights as easily.
What’s Next for Overwatch 2?
The next Overwatch 2 update is scheduled for December 17, coinciding with the highly anticipated Avatar: The Last Airbender collaboration. While the full details of the patch are not yet available, players can expect exciting new content, including cosmetic skins, themed events, and more.
Conclusion
Blizzard’s latest hotfix underscores their commitment to ensuring Overwatch 2 remains balanced, particularly as new heroes like Hazard enter the fray. These nerfs to Hazard and Sojourn aim to level the playing field, giving players a more competitive experience.
As the Avatar collaboration kicks off on December 17, fans can look forward to more content and updates to close out the year.
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